Thermo Fisher Debuts Predictive Drug Modeling Tech
The company showcased new platform tools at AAPS PharmSci 360 to accelerate small molecule drug development.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Biotech
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Thermo Fisher Scientific presented predictive modeling techniques at AAPS PharmSci 360 to streamline drug technology selection. The company is now preparing to transition its KinetiSol manufacturing technology to commercial scale by 2027.
Why it matters
With approximately 90% of small molecules facing significant solubility challenges, these predictive tools aim to shorten development timelines. Reducing the time to reach clinical stages is a critical hurdle for modern pharmaceutical research.
The Quadrant 2 platform categorizes drug technologies into three distinct tiers based on API properties to guide formulation. Meanwhile, KinetiSol technology processes materials in just 10 to 20 seconds by using system-generated shear.
The players
Thermo Fisher Scientific
This global company provides scientific instrumentation, reagents, and services for research and clinical laboratories.
AustinPx
This contract development and manufacturing organization specializes in solubility enhancement for pharmaceutical ingredients.
Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products.
The details
The Quadrant 2 platform evaluates API properties to rank potential technologies for pharmaceutical applications. KinetiSol technology produces amorphous solid dispersions without the use of solvents or external heat, a process that yielded a 13.8-fold increase in bioavailability for abiraterone in case studies.
Timeline
June 2026: AustinPx installed KinetiSol equipment at Thermo Fisher facilities.
September 2026: The FDA granted KinetiSol technology Advanced Manufacturing Technology designation.
October 2026: Thermo Fisher presented its latest modeling techniques at AAPS PharmSci 360.
2027: The company plans to reach commercial scale for KinetiSol technology.
The Tech Race
The FDA's Advanced Manufacturing Technology designation recognizes the potential of solvent-free processing to replace traditional, resource-intensive drug manufacturing methods. This marks a clear pivot toward rapid, high-shear production systems in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Improved drug solubility and faster development timelines can significantly reduce the time required to bring new medications to patients. By optimizing the technology selection process, pharmaceutical developers can streamline workflows and reduce the time to clinic to roughly 7 to 8 months.
The takeaway
Predictive modeling and high-shear manufacturing represent a shift toward precision in early-stage drug development. Researchers can implement these tiered ranking platforms to address solubility issues earlier in the pipeline for more efficient pharmaceutical outputs.
What happens next
A late-stage KinetiSol Compounder is scheduled for installation at the Cincinnati, Ohio site in the first or second quarter of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Biotech research and pharmaceutical manufacturing developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BioPharm International.
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